Short Breaks

What are targeted Short Breaks?

Short Breaks are fun or educational activities designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They give parents and carers time to take a break from their caring responsibilities.

Short Breaks can:

• Last for a few hours during the day, in the evening, overnight, at weekends, or during school holidays.

• Take place in different settings, such as the child’s own home, an approved carer’s home, a residential setting, or a community venue.

They offer different types and levels of support, including:

• Weekly group activities after school, held at the Short Breaks Hub, a school, leisure centre, or other local venue

• One-to-one support tailored to meet your child’s and family’s needs

• Family-friendly activities that you can all enjoy together, usually at weekends

• Overnight or weekend stays in a residential children’s home, your own home, or with specialist support

• Help for your child to attend a local club or group in the community

• A personal budget, so you can arrange and pay for Short Breaks yourself

  Local authorities have a legal responsibility to support families with disabled children by offering short breaks. This duty is set out in Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, which requires councils to provide services that support children in need — and their families — to lead safe, balanced, and fulfilling lives.

  For families of children with SEND, this includes ensuring access to short breaks that give young people enjoyable, meaningful opportunities away from home, and give parents and carers essential time to rest or focus on other aspects of family life. These services might include after-school clubs, weekend activities, school holiday programmes, or even overnight stays, depending on the child’s needs.

  The law also requires each local authority to publish a Short Breaks Statement. This document explains what types of short breaks are available, who is eligible, and how families can access them. It helps ensure transparency and gives families the information they need to make informed decisions.

  Above all, the council must make sure there are enough services available locally to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND and their families. This legal duty helps ensure that support is fair, consistent, and accessible to those who need it most.

To access Targeted Short Breaks in both Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, your child or young person must:

• Be ordinarily resident in the respective council area.

• Have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010.

• Possess an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

• Be within academic year groups 1 to 13

These services are primarily designed for children and young people with low to moderate needs. For those requiring higher-level support, specialist services may be more appropriate.

Available Providers

Cumberland:

• Carlisle Mencap: Offers weekend and school holiday sessions from the Grace Little Centre, including activities like gaming, sensory sessions, crafts, baking, and cooking. They provide personal care, with staffing ratios varying according to the needs of the children. fid.cumberland.gov.uk

• West House: Provides sessions during school holidays, including trips to places like Honister Slate Mine, swimming, and the cinema. Some sessions include the option of 1:1 and personal care support.

• People First: Runs activities for young people aged 14–18 in areas like Carlisle, Maryport, Workington, and Whitehaven. Activities focus on promoting independence and community engagement

  Westmorland & Furness

  • Oaklea Trust – After-school and holiday clubs across South Lakeland for children aged 5–18. Activities promote confidence, creativity, and friendship.

  • Right2Work CIC – Inclusive sessions that blend education and fun, encouraging life skills, teamwork, and personal development.

  Each provider offers different types of support tailored to varying needs, interests, and ages.

How to Apply

Cumberland

• Registration: Open annually. The 2025 registration closes on June 6th.

• Apply via: Cumberland Short Breaks team

  • 📞 Call: 0300 303 8165

  • 📧 Email: shortbreaks@cumberland.gov.uk

Westmorland & Furness

• Registration: Reopens May 2025 for the upcoming year.

• Apply via: Westmorland and Furness Short Breaks team

  • 📞 Call: 01229 408 100

  • 📧 Email: shortbreaks@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

You may need to complete a registration form and indicate your child’s needs and preferred activities. Some services may have waiting lists or limited spaces, so early registration is encouraged.